Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Fabian \Fa"bi*an\, a. [L. Fabianus, Fabius, belonging to
   Fabius.]
   Of, pertaining to, or in the manner of, the Roman general,
   Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus; cautious; dilatory;
   avoiding a decisive contest.

   {Fabian policy}, a policy like that of Fabius Maximus, who,
      by carefully avoiding decisive contests, foiled Hannibal,
      harassing his army by marches, countermarches, and
      ambuscades; a policy of delays and cautions.